Step-by-step instructions: How to limescale your lawn properly

2020-03-31T06:45:43.549Z

Everyone wants a well-kept lawn. But there are so many ways to restore the lush green - what about lime, for example?

Many mistakes can happen when liming the lawn - so you should inform yourself well beforehand. Here we give you instructions for the right liming.

Moss and Co .: How can I tell if the lawn needs lime?

There are several ways to find out whether the lawn needs lime. The safest is a soil analysis for which you can buy a test set in the hardware store. You then send this to a corresponding laboratory or institute to carry out the evaluation. The cost is around 10 to 30 euros . The test analyzes exactly what the pH value of your soil is , so that you can react exactly to it and not possibly get the wrong fertilizer out of ignorance.

Obviously, however, the lawn also gives you some pointers as to whether there is a lack of lime: extremely moss is a sign that your lush greenery is growing on an acidic soil . This means that lime is urgently needed to compensate. If, on the other hand, a lot of clover grows on your lawn, this is an indication of an alkaline soil - in this case you can safely do without liming.

How to interpret the pH :

pH> 7 = alkaline
pH 7 = neutral
pH <7 = acidic

Which is better: liming or fertilizing the lawn?

In general, you can do both, as lime and fertilizers fix different defects in the lawn. However, you should do the liming before fertilizing. The added lime provides an optimal basis so that the fertilizer can really work properly.

Matching : When and how often do I have to fertilize the lawn?

What is the right lime for my lawn?

There are two important types of lime that you should definitely distinguish: quicklime with the chemical name CaO and a lime mixture of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) . The former is extremely harmful to the lawn because it is very caustic. That is why it is used more in construction and should be kept away from grasses. Instead, use the second option, which is perfect for lawn and garden use.

Spring and autumn: when is the right time to limescale the lawn?

Hobby gardeners often recommend liming the lawn in February . In general, however, it is possible to add lime to the soil all year round - both in spring and in autumn. That means: as soon as you find that your soil lacks lime, you can remedy the situation. However, there are periods - as you will learn in the next point - when liming is particularly worthwhile.

Find out here how to turn a yellow-colored lawn into a green oasis.

Instructions: How to limescale the lawn with a gritter

There are a few steps to take to get the lawn in shape. For example, if you plan to scarify it, you should do it before liming. Here you can read everything you need to know about scarifying. After scarifying, the soil needs some time to recover from the exertions. After that, however, it is particularly receptive to lime, which is why experts often recommend spending it around four weeks after scarifying . Scaling is not necessary beforehand when liming in autumn.

Then you can go to work: Simply spread the lime by hand or with a spreader. Just make sure that you wear gloves . There are also certain plants - such as conifers - that do not tolerate lime. So find out beforehand whether and how much lime your plants can tolerate and therefore keep a little distance from them.

Otherwise, you can stick to the following rules of thumb when it comes to the nature of the ground:

Light or sandy soils need 150 to 200 grams of lime per 100 m²
Medium-heavy, sandy to loamy soils need 300 to 400 grams of lime per square meter
Heavy, loamy or clayey soils need 400 grams of lime per square meter

When you have limed the lawn, the condition of the soil should last for two to three years before you need to limescale again. If you are not sure, simply take a new soil sample after a while to determine the pH. If it is still not in the optimal range, you can always descale.

Also interesting : Make sure you avoid these mistakes with your lawn.

Can I limewalk the lawn when it rains?

The lawn should not be limed in rainy weather. For this, the floor should be dry. However, it does not hurt if rainy weather is announced shortly after the chalky weather, because the chalk can soak into the soil. For liming, it is best to choose the evening hours so that the plants do not get burned in the blazing sun.

Before or after liming: at what intervals can I sow and fertilize?

It is recommended to sow the lawn before liming, but shortly after scarifying. Here you can read more about lawn sowing. Then wait around four weeks for liming. You should then fertilize the lawn again three to four weeks after liming. The time intervals can vary depending on the durability of your lawn - the weather also plays a role. This is why hobby gardeners often have to rely on their own feelings and watch the lawn closely.

Read here when and how often the lawn needs fertilization.